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coasteray


El Toro! 1028 LXE
Tecumseh 358cc
10hp


Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142

Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Original Message   May 30, 2011 4:36 am
I am in the market for a "weed wacker", or trimmer.  I don't know which brands are any good, anymore.  I don't really trust any of them too much because of what I perceive as a general decline in quality with the various manufacturers.  Am I being too overly dramatic about this?  I'm thinking of Craftsman, Huqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Toro as examples.  The usual brands.  I'd like one with the multiple attachments feature, easy start, straight shaft, perhaps a 2-cycle, and around 27cc in size.  I find it sad that too many comments online about personal experiences with a given gas model will range from wonderful results to terrible results for one reason or another, and not just issues with the engine.  I noticed this with a Craftsman model.  Maybe I should consider an electric or battery model?  I find snow blowers and lawn mowers easier to figure out!  Thanks much for any help.
This message was modified May 30, 2011 by coasteray


  El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp   Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
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borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #4   May 31, 2011 1:49 pm
coasteray wrote:
Thanks for the responses so far.  I noticed at Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, and a local OPE dealer that Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Bolens trimmers looked identical as far as I could tell by the look of the engine and overall body.  It seemed the only thing different with them was the labeling and color.  The Husqvarna, Stihl, Toro, and Echo models looked different.  In the end, I am most concerned with the engine quality, which translates into how long it will last. 

ECHO.

Period.
Paul7


Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #5   May 31, 2011 2:56 pm
Do NOT buy a Craftsman model that has a feature called Incredi-PULL. 
coasteray


El Toro! 1028 LXE
Tecumseh 358cc
10hp


Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #6   Jun 1, 2011 3:51 am
borat wrote:
ECHO.

Period.

Borat, thanks for the input about Echo.  I've seen a few at a close-by Home Depot, but I'll look for another dealer that carries them, too.  



Also, to Paul7:  Thanks for the heads-up about that Craftsman feature.  Is there any particular thing wrong with that feature? 

  El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp   Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Paul7


Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #7   Jun 1, 2011 9:49 am
coasteray wrote:
Also, to Paul7:  Thanks for the heads-up about that Craftsman feature.  Is there any particular thing wrong with that feature? 

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/29252-0-1.html
longboat


Joined: Feb 11, 2009
Points: 103

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #8   Jun 1, 2011 10:46 am
I'm very happy with my Echo (GT225, IIRC?), going on its fifth year.  Not sure about attachments, though.
CHarley


Joined: Aug 27, 2005
Points: 5

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #9   Jun 1, 2011 9:34 pm
Hi Everyone:  One thing I haven't seen mentioned, starter in the back (instead of the driveshaft side), indicating two main bearings, most likely roller.  The engines with the starter on the driveshaft side are, I believe, single, plain main bearing engines, like old, inexpensive model airplane engines.  I know Ryobi at least makes both types.  Had bad luck with the cheap one, have  many hours on their "Pro" model.
CHarley
mml4


Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!


Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #10   Jun 5, 2011 4:29 pm
borat wrote:
Echo.



Absolutely! I have the PAS-260 which accepts  different attachments. I have  used the string trimmer and edger weekly during the season for the last 6 years with no problems. I bought their Back Pack Blower (PB-602) and hedge clipper(HCR-1500) at the same time with the same result. There may be units out there that are just as good but you can't go wrong with ECHO.

I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing.

Marc

This message was modified Jun 5, 2011 by mml4


SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
coasteray


El Toro! 1028 LXE
Tecumseh 358cc
10hp


Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #11   Jun 6, 2011 1:24 am
mml4 wrote:
Absolutely! I have the PAS-260 which accepts  different attachments. I have  used the string trimmer and edger weekly during the season for the last 6 years with no problems. I bought their Back Pack Blower (PB-602) and hedge clipper(HCR-1500) at the same time with the same result. There may be units out there that are just as good but you can't go wrong with ECHO.

I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing.

Marc



mmI4:  Thanks for concurring with borat on the Echo.  I've seen other good comments elsewhere online about Echo.  Since my original post, I've found a local real dealer (not big box) in my area who carries Echo. I'll have to pay them a visit. 
This message was modified Jun 6, 2011 by coasteray


  El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp   Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Bill_H


Location: Maine
Joined: Jan 12, 2008
Points: 354

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #12   Jun 6, 2011 2:52 pm
mml4 wrote:
I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing.

Strongly agree. If there's even a chance they're different, go to a dealer.
Another thing - I've never regretted picking the model I need and can afford, and then stepping up one. Better the pain in your wallet one time than wishing you hadn't gotten the less expensive one every time you use it.

Who the hell let all the morning people run things?
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Trimmer brands - Are there really any good brands?
Reply #13   Jun 6, 2011 11:10 pm
I own a few Echo products.  Some bought from a dealer and some from Home Depot.  No difference in quality of manufacturing from either source.   As far as I know Echo is does not re-badge inferior products with their name.  
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